Question 1

How to choose a fabric for tablecloth?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the location, weather, what kind of laundry process you have, whether you prefer organic fibers or not, and how much effort you can devote to fabric care.Location matters for style and climate reasons. If a restaurant is on a chic street neighbouring tens of high-end businesses, its customers are likely to expect a premium experience. In this case, the restaurant's textile selection should serve its purpose of offering a top-notch experience. Natural fibers like linen and linen-look alternatives, or jacquard tablecloths with sophisticated motifs may help them establish this sense of exclusivity.On the other hand, let's imagine a seaside restaurant mainly serving fish and chips to vacationing families during summer season. The restaurant may need a vibrant, colorful internal design that looks family friendly. However, the level of humidity also is an important concern. In this case, the restaurant may go with colorful, acrylic coated fabrics that dry quickly.Laundry capacity also plays a crucial role when choosing a tablecloth fabric. If you have limited laundry capacity, or limited access to laundry services, look for easy-care fabrics. Wipe-clean tablecloths may be a good choice if you don't want to rely on regular washing.

Question 2

What are the types of tablecloth fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Tablecloth fabrics can be manufactured with a wide range of materials, organic and synthetic fibers, or various blends. All table linen fabrics come with advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different settings and needs.For crowded restaurants and hotels with lightning-fast service requirements, opting for high GSM (grams per square meter) fabrics is the most reasonable choice. Higher GSM tablecloth fabrics are thicker and more durable. The fabric you choose should also be suitable for commercial laundering, or heavy washing in some cases.Cotton, polyester and poly-cotton blends are highly sought-after in the hospitality field for their weight and softness. They are easier to care than most alternatives and good at absorbing dining room sound.

Question 3

What makes a tablecloth fabric different than other fabrics? What are the unique properties of a tablecloth fabric?

Accepted Answer

Table linens are built specifically for the tough cleaning conditions of hotels and restaurants. They are extra durable, and they don't fade and won't shrink much compared to other fabrics. Seams and stitching also contribute to the durability of tablecloths. Special seaming and stitching processes help tablecloths hold their shape even after heavy washing.A tablecloth fabric has to have a nice drape as well, mainly for aesthetic reasons. Most fashion fabrics don't have enough weight or any structural drape. Tablecloth fabrics do look good in various drop lengths, and don't slide off easily thanks to their weight.Table linens differ from upholstery and drapery fabrics as well. Fabrics used for upholstery are heavier and thicker in general, and drapery fabrics are specifically designed for vertical use.

Question 4

Are 100% linen tablecloths suitable for restaurants and hotels?

Accepted Answer

Pure linen is perceived as the gold standard in some branches of the hospitality industry. Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurants, upscale country clubs, and high-end wedding venues frequently opt for 100% linen, mainly for its elegance.Yet linen is relatively more difficult to care for, compared to most of other tablecloth fabrics. Restaurants and hotels usually have heavy-duty, high-heat commercial washing and strong chemicals to sanitize all sorts of bacteria. Heavy washing eventually breaks down natural linen fibers, causing severe shrinkage, thinning, and a shortened lifespan.Investing in %100 linen tablecloths is a decision directly tied to what kind of experience you want to offer to your guests, and if you're willing to continue your investment in the long run.

Question 5

How or where do I see the fabrics before buying?

Accepted Answer

You can request a sample for all restaurant linens. You can contact us by phone, via our Contact page form, or at info@niltekstil.com.

Question 6

What information do I need to order table linen?

Accepted Answer

When you decide on tablecloth material, drop length and color, you can let the producer know how many tables you have, and what are the dimensions of your tables. The producer will calculate your minimum inventory level (three sets) and add a 10% on top for possible losses.If you haven't decided on color, material and drop length, you can ask for guidance from the manufacturer. At Niltex, we help our partners discover which materials, colors, and styles can be good alternatives for their businesses. We guide them through selecting the most suitable options that cover all their needs.

Question 7

How often should you change restaurant linens?

Accepted Answer

You need to renew or replace your restaurant's tablecloths whenever the total inventory drops below the minimum required stock level. How to calculate minimum stock level?Minimum stock level covers three full sets:One set currently in use on the tablesOne set being washed in the laundryOne set resting on the shelfOnce you've calculated three times your table count, add an extra 10% to cover inventory losses. Inventory waste can occur for a variety of reasons, such as permanent stains, burns and tears, and laundry issues.Replenish stock before the inventory level drops below minimum three sets. Postponing the order means your three sets stay in continuous use. Yet resting is vital for the longevity of the material. Tablecloths will degrade quickly if they aren't allowed enough downtime.

Question 8

What is tablecloth printing?

Accepted Answer

Tablecloth printing is a process where dye-sublimation is applied to manufacture custom-tailored, bespoke tablecloths. When high heat is applied to ink, it turns into gas form, transfers into and bonds molecularly with fibers.Before digital printing was invented, tablecloths were screen-printed or block-printed. Both methods called for separate, labor-intensive setups to create each and every color. Plus, ink sat just on top of the fabric, making it prone to cracking or fading over time. Thanks to the digital printing, the ink now becomes part of the fabric. Logos, patterns and other visual elements don't peel, crack, or fade, even after heavy commercial washing.

Question 9

What shape tablecloth is best for oval table?

Accepted Answer

An oval-shaped tablecloth would be a first choice in most oval table settings. Using a rectangular tablecloth on an oval table will result in the corners hanging down unevenly, or even dragging on the floor.

Question 10

How to fold a table cloth?

Accepted Answer

To minimize wrinkles, fold the tablecloth in half lengthwise, bringing the seams together. Fold it in half lengthwise again. Then, fold the ends toward the center, and fold it in half one last time. For ultra-fine linens, it is highly recommended to roll the tablecloth around a heavy cardboard tube (like a wrapping paper tube) instead of folding it, which completely eliminates crease lines.

Question 11

How to stop tablecloth from sliding?

Accepted Answer

The best method is to place a custom-cut felt table pad underneath the tablecloth. This adds plushness, protects the wooden table top from heat, and grips the fabric. You can also use non-slip rubber shelf liners placed in the center of the table under the cloth.

Question 12

How to secure tablecloth to table?

Accepted Answer

You can use tablecloth clips made of plastic or metal that slide over the edge of the table, pinning the fabric to the tabletop. For outdoor or event tables, fitted tablecloths (or table covers) or stretch tablecloths (which have reinforced pockets that hook under the table legs) are the most secure choices. You can also place a custom-cut felt table pad underneath the tablecloth to stop it from sliding.

Question 13

How to clean a tablecloth?

Accepted Answer

Always separate by color and fabric type. Pre-treat food, grease, liquid and any other stains before the washing cycle. Wash standard cotton or synthetic tablecloths in warm water on a regular cycle. Stick to the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as further care requirements are shaped by the fabric's overall quality, weave density and assembly.

Question 14

How to clean a linen tablecloth?

Accepted Answer

Refrain from exposure to extreme temperatures (extremely hot or cold). It may damage fibers' elasticity and original color. Stick to the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as further care requirements are shaped by the fabric's overall quality, weave density and assembly.Tighter weaves are more prone to shrinking, and pre-treatment history also plays a decisive role in fabric behavior. High-quality, pre-softened linen typically minimizes shrinkage to between 3% and 5%. Untreated or lower-quality fabric can lose as much as 15% of its original size.

Question 15

How to get oil stain out of linen tablecloth?

Accepted Answer

Remove the oil with a paper towel without rubbing it in. Apply a delicate laundry liquid directly to the stain, let it soak in lukewarm water for 30 minutes, and gently hand wash. Don't tumble dry, if the oil stain is not entirely removed, dryer will will permanently set the stain.To remove grease, use paper towel or kitchen towel. Treat the area directly with liquid detergent, spread it evenly and wash.

Question 16

How do I remove candle wax from a tablecloth?

Accepted Answer

Do not try to wipe wet wax, as it will spread. Let the wax harden completely (you can place an ice cube in a plastic bag over the wax to speed this up). Gently scrape off the solid chunks with a dull butter knife. Place a brown paper bag or a clean paper towel over the remaining wax residue. Run a warm iron over the paper. The heat will melt the wax, and the paper will absorb it. Treat the remaining oily spot with dish soap or a grease-fighting stain remover before washing.

Question 17

Hot to get coffee and tea stain out of tablecloths?

Accepted Answer

Pour liquid detergent directly onto the stain, gently work it into the fibers using a soft-bristled toothbrush or by rubbing the fabric, and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.

Question 18

How to get red wine out of tablecloth?

Accepted Answer

Act immediately. Blot the spill with a clean cloth—do not rub. Cover the wet stain heavily with table salt or baking soda to absorb the liquid. Once absorbed, brush the powder away. Flush the stain from the back with cold water or club soda. If the stain persists, apply a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then wash the tablecloth in cold water. Never apply heat until the stain is fully gone.